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Location: Eye Health >> Eye Conditions & Diseases >> Floaters
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Floaters
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Floaters and Flashes of light are common visual occurrences and are usually
harmless.
Floaters appear as small and semi-opaque specks or particles with
in your field of vision. The clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside
of your eyes (know as the vitreous), can undergo structural changes that
result in the symptoms of floaters. Most floaters are seen under bright
lighting and appear to dart away when you try to look at them. The floaters
are often caused by small pieces of protein or other matter formed in
the vitreous before birth, however; they can also be due to a deterioration
of the vitreous fluid, from aging, eye disease or injuries.
Flashes can be caused when the changing vitreous puts traction in the
retina. **
The presence of flashes of light, a veil or shade appearing to cloud an
area of vision or a new onset of floaters require an immediate consultation
with your optometrist for a dilated retinal evaluation. This is a potentially
sight-threatening symptom that should not be ignored.
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